Tour & Talk
Each season, the FBC hosts a Tour & Talk at a family business headquartered in Iowa. The one-day event typically begins with a tour of the business from family leaders, followed by a luncheon, and concludes with a presentation and Q&A with the family CEO or president. These events allow families to learn from each other’s operations. We also have a breakout session to divide the legacy and current/next generations into two groups for a generation-specific conversation.
Dee Zee Mfg
Dee Zee Manufacturing is a hidden gem of a family business that you don't hear enough about. In 2024, family businesses were hosted at Dee Zee's Pleasant Hill campus by Kelli Gallagher, second generation and president of this multichannel aftermarket supplier and leading provider of side steps and roof rails for OEM's. Kelli, along with her son and sister, shared about their journeys in the family business, took us on a tour of their increasing number of buildings, and shared how they went from a 325 employee business to over 1,000.
Kemin Industries
In 2023, Iowa families met at Kemin Industries to hear about how a small family business turned into an international powerhouse. Participants heard from siblings Dr. Chris Nelson, president and CEO, and Libby Nelson, VP and general counsel. Then, groups took a tour of the manufacturing facilities and laboratories and wrapped up the day with a lunch.
Fareway
In 2021, Fareway hosted the FBC Tour & Talk event at their headquarters in Boone, Iowa. Reynolds Cramer, CEO, is pictured leading a tour. Later in the day, he shared his family story and answered questions about the business.
Interested in hosting a Tour & Talk event?
Please contact Jayne Kielman, business development manager, at jayne.kielman@uni.edu or 319-559-0050.